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Mysteries are all around us. With such a big world, we have so much to discover. That’s why conspiracy theories are so fun! Some theories operate on a larger scale, like the moon landing conspiracy; others are often smaller stories.

Someone decided to focus on these low-stakes conspiracy theories and asked people for examples in a now-viral thread on X (formerly Twitter). Get your tinfoil hat ready as you check out these theories. You’ll probably agree with more anecdotes than you think.

More info: X

Image credits: MNateShyamalan

In this Bored Panda list, you’ll find the tiniest conspiracies that people have come across in their daily lives. Whether it involves the buttons at a sidewalk crossing or British people faking their accents, there are so many crazy theories that actually might not seem so crazy once you think about it.

A conspiracy theory involves an explanation about a person, thing, or event that is usually centered around a secret plot. Conspiracy theorists genuinely believe that their theory is a secret that’s being hidden from the public, often by some powerful officials. It’s no wonder why people are eager to learn more about these plots and uncover the secrets within.

#4

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

LouXanti Report

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Cosmikid
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I LOVE IT!! I'll never touch another rock without thinking about this!!

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#6

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

Georgesketch Report

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David
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, many people in the fashion industry have literally been saying this for years, Ralph Lauren said that is what he was told when he started out.

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What’s interesting to note about conspiracy theories is that people latch onto them much faster during times of anxiety or uncertainty. Such as wars, natural disasters, and, as of recently, a global pandemic. A study on the rise of conspiracy theories during the pandemic found that three of the most commonly talked about rumors were based on QAnon, the anti-vaccine movement, and anti-5G discussions. 

People also tend to distrust authority figures. So, when they are faced with high levels of uncertainty, conspiracy theories tend to spread even more. This suggests that people come up with these vague rumors and plots to make sense of the rapidly changing world around them and to make some threats seem more understandable.

#8

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

TigerDaz_ Report

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#9

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

katefeetie Report

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David
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many expiration dates on many non-food items are based on when the items start to break down, but can be safe long beyond it. But that is when it loses its scent, color, sediment separation, etc, which affects their branding reputation

tenrec-12 avatar
Bookworm
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With medication at least, it's how long the scientific studies can prove it's still good. Maybe a certain d**g is still completely fine after 20 years in your bathroom cabinet, but no pharmaceutical company is going to pay for a 20-year study to find out, so they test it up to something more doable like three years and put a three-year 'expiration' date on the bottle.

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neytjie
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Eye shadows are fine since it's dry. However, things that contain liquids grow mold and get bacteria in it, hence expiration dates. Preservatives do expire at some point. Also mascara can get nasty pretty quick.

de-pieter-baan avatar
User# 6
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not the case! Cosmetics (in the EU at least) carry a specific 'after opening' expiration date in montths because of microbial contamination, see enclosed image. Every time you stick your fingers in, you bring in more bacteria and fungii. And since the use of preservatives is discouraged, over time products can actually become dangerous/toxic. Source: I'm a regulator in the field. 97a79263-8...737d73.jpg 97a79263-8caa-4366-b265-84fd03b6a2af_proc-65e703b737d73.jpg

asteidl14 avatar
Disgruntled Pelican
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The states have this as well! I read about the importance of looking at these dates a while back and I can't believe how long I kept some of that makeup around.

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kkermes avatar
Kim Kermes
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You put your brush on your face, then back into your powder, carrying microbes from your face, who then settle down and raise families. After a year, do you really want to put that on your face? Much less your eyes. Eye infections can be dangerous.

legrande375 avatar
Pieter LeGrande
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A year and many generations later, those microbes are on the way to mutating into dinosaurs. Why risk it.

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Svenne O'Lotta
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope. This is pink eye station. And you can smell it on the product too.

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Pickles R Eevil
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What if the goats milk and avocado can expire? Simple answer, read the ingredients and refrigerate the ones you need to. I agree with op’s point but maybe they putting food related ingredients in to their products to not make them shelf stable.

beescoliosis avatar
freakingbee (she/they)
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

smell my mom's 25 year old stage makeup and you'll change your mind REAL fast

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Binky Melnik
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ack! Don’t keep EYE makeup forever! If shadows, liners, or mascara DO become contaminated, chances are highly unlikely you’ll know, and YOU’RE RISKING YOUR EYESIGHT! I saved my money and FINALLY was able to acquire MAC’s “Nude” palette way back when there was an ungodly shortage, and seven months later, weird little blobs were growing in several shadows. I was forced to toss it out, and my heart was broken. (My worst fear is being blind.) As for other cosmetics, maybe they’ll irritate your skin or turn weird colors, nut BLINDNESS? That’s an inconvenience too far! 😩😰

david2074 avatar
David
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1 part wanting their products to be perceived in the best light and 3 parts USA is a litigious nation where people try to get rich by suing companies over petty BS. It is hardly just makeup. Food, medicine etc. All medicine in the USA is magically bad one year from date of issue. Except the vast majority of it is just fine.

sukebind avatar
Flora Porter
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Lancome loose face powder is at least 20 and still absolutely fine.

binkstress avatar
Binky Melnik
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And how do you know it’s “absolutely fine”? It’s really, REALLY expensive to do cosmetic testing; did you inherit a fortune or marry one? How long before you got the results back? Good luck with that stuff! 🤮

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PeepPeep the duck
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once found my dad’s old business partners movie make up from his acting days in China (you can look up his movies : Norbert Domez, he did movies with Bruce li & Jackie chan etc). I grabbed his concealer with the packing looking very early 80s maybe late 70s and I swear it was the best concealer I had 😂 I used it in 2005-6.

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Researchers have also found that conspiracy theories play on people’s feelings and sense of identity. That’s why these theorists hold on so firmly to their beliefs. Though there might not be enough evidence or facts to support the stories, people’s faith makes them resist any efforts to prove them wrong. And if people don’t trust authorities, how exactly will these rumors ever be disproved?

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According to the University of Nottingham: “People are attracted to conspiracy theories in an attempt to satisfy three psychological needs. They want more certainty, to feel in control, and maintain a positive image of their self and group.”

#10

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

EA_Gardner Report

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Cosmikid
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL. Spoken like a woman in late pregnancy. :-) I can tell you though, both my wives had people remark they were "glowing" - before the observer knew they were pregnant. First half, though...

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#11

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

eduprofjamil Report

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Ace
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing's to stop you taking the empty bottle through and refilling it on the other side of security, Some airports even have free water fountains specifically for this purpose.

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A 1995 study by John McHoskey sought to provide an explanation for why it was difficult to debunk conspiracy theories. He gave believers and disbelievers of the Kennedy conspiracy a balanced description of the arguments for and against it. His theory was that those who favored and opposed the conspiracy would both regard that very same statement as evidence in favor of their position. 

His theory was proved to be correct. This is because when people face uncertain information, they tend to hold more strongly onto their point of view. People also readily accept ideas that fit their viewpoint and tend to strongly question anything that doesn’t fit their point of view.

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#14

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

NemoAnon0 Report

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Cosmikid
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it wasn't before, it will be as soon as a nefarious individual reads your spiffy idea here!

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#15

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

RockyLotito Report

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R.A. Haley
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw a t-shirt yesterday with a picture of Bigfoot and the caption: "Believe in Yourself."

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Since this list has many low-stakes theories, some are likely to have a kernel of truth. It’s interesting to note that not all conspiracies are false. Some have turned out to be true over time. For example, it was believed that tobacco companies were hiding evidence that smoking is deadly. Even though there was proof in the early 1950s to show that smoking could cause cancer, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that Philip Morris, the nation’s largest cigarette maker at the time, admitted to it.

This is what Joseph E. Uscinski had to say in his work on the study of conspiracy theories: “It is difficult to prove that a secret plot is not taking place behind the scenes. A dearth of positive proof and an abundance of falsifying evidence seem to count in their favor. This is not inappropriate: if powerful actors are trying to hide something it only stands to reason that confirming evidence will be hidden and red herrings will abound.”

#17

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

Patlantis48 Report

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Kim Gilbert
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Googled "squeaks", something to do with the sounds their shoes make, and "pumping 'em" is something to do with inflating the ball? I have no idea what this means, can someone enlighten me please?

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With the power of social media when it comes to sharing viewpoints, it might seem like more people are falling for conspiracies. In every corner you turn online, there’ll be someone spilling the tea on a juicy theory that you’ve probably never heard about.

That’s why there have been many studies aiming to see if the number of conspiracy theories was truly increasing every year. One study found that there hasn’t been any significant increase. In fact, researchers have found that people fall for conspiracies online only if they are already likely to believe in them or if they are interested in that particular topic.

#21

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

halfmoonmaniac Report

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acey-ace16 avatar
Ace
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Either way you will never know the truth. They're far too smart to let on.

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Conspiracy theories are wild and have become popular for a reason. These low-stakes conspiracies are just juicy enough to get you thinking without pulling you into a rabbit hole of information. Interestingly enough, the post got more than 28 million views and over 800 comments, with some of the wackiest answers possible. If you believe in any minor conspiracy, this is your time to shine. Let us know in the comments and feel free to share more than one.

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#25

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

Mary_at_Work Report

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Cosmikid
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or alternatively, "Banksy" is a consortium of BANKS - playing urban pranks- to keep people looking around in cities - generates business, you know...

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#26

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

LordofThe7s Report

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DrBronxx
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd have thought that dealing with all the "where's the next book" people would be tiring, but on hearing this theory, maybe it's just the lesser of two evils.

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#27

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

Starbrrrst Report

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and_a_touch_of_the_’tism
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to Costco yesterday and it was PACKED, I actually would’ve expected less people based on the number of cars. I had to eat my hot dog while walking around bc the food area was so jammed.

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#28

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

Hoodie_Milly Report

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David
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The brand I buy it is 10 Hotdogs in a package and buns come in 6 or 12 packs where I live.

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#30

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

asawhatever Report

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M O'Connell
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All these years of trying to correct me and it still has no idea what I intend to say.

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#31

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

Zeronelite Report

#32

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

50FirstTates Report

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Cosmikid
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nah. Poor Steve was just obviously a num-num bound to keep pushing it until he ran out of luck. Never watched him without thinking that. "He's gonna get killed." Anybody truly trained to work with animals could see that; "No, they DON'T always behave the same way..."

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#33

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

SureZher Report

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Cosmikid
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alternatively, it's to create the impression of "full value" in the very tightly packed box - and that it's YOUR fault you messed up their attempt to give you your money's worth.

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#34

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

talkalot_360 Report

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David
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not exactly, rather thestudies are biased (not false), but they were created by the competition. For example, When Aspartame came out, the companies using that product and their investors funded the studies against saccharin which was the original. Later the inventors of Sucralose did that to Aspartame later, etc

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#35

Lowest-Stakes-Conspiracy-Theory

VoicesByZane Report

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